Business Details
34 Years
experience
Trusted Architectural Design Services in Portland, OR
Founded in 1992, we pioneered as Portland's first 100% female-owned architecture firm, carrying forward a legacy of compassionate design. Our practice centers on creating spaces that foster well-being, joy, and positive change through inclusive, thoughtful design. We recognize that every individual brings unique perspectives and needs to the spaces they inhabit, which informs our client-centric approach. With decades of combined experience, our team merges technical expertise with creative vision to deliver functional, inspiring environments. We maintain deep ties to Portland's architectural community while serving diverse projects across residential, educational, and civic sectors.Our commitment to civic engagement drives us to create accessible, meaningful spaces that benefit all community members. Through strategic design-build methodologies and a focus on constructability, we translate complex challenges into elegant solutions. As an evolving practice, we honor our founding principles while embracing innovation in sustainable design and modern construction techniques. Our leadership team brings specialized expertise in multi-family housing, seismic upgrades, and historic preservation projects. We remain dedicated to advancing women's leadership in architecture while maintaining rigorous professional standards and client collaboration.
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Architecture
Community Spaces
Sustainable Design
Historic Preservation
Residential Projects
Civic Buildings
Educational Facilities
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- Founded as Portland's first 100% female-owned architecture firm in 1992
- Specialized expertise in multi-family housing and seismic upgrades
- Combines design-build methodology with technical construction knowledge
- Maintains deep local connections through civic engagement projects
- Leadership team with 20+ years average industry experience
Services
Architectural Design
We create innovative architectural solutions that balance aesthetic vision with functional requirements. Our process emphasizes collaborative client engagement and contextual sensitivity. Projects range from single-family residences to large-scale civic buildings.
Interior Architecture
Our interior design services focus on creating purposeful, human-centered environments. We specialize in optimizing spatial flow while maintaining architectural integrity. Solutions address both aesthetic and practical considerations for residential and commercial spaces.
Community Spaces
We design inclusive public spaces that foster social connection and community engagement. Our approach prioritizes accessibility and universal design principles. Projects include parks, plazas, and civic facilities serving diverse populations.
Sustainable Design
Our practice integrates environmentally responsible materials and energy-efficient systems into every project. We employ passive design strategies to minimize environmental impact while enhancing occupant comfort and building performance.
Historic Preservation
We specialize in restoring and adapting historic structures while maintaining their architectural character. Our work balances preservation requirements with modern functionality through careful material selection and construction techniques.
People
Amy Palmer
Owner & Principal
Amy Palmer leads with 20+ years of architectural experience, combining design innovation with practical construction knowledge. She graduated from Washington State University with a BA in Architecture and specializes in project management and client collaboration.
Nancy Merryman
Principal Emeritus
As founding partner, Nancy Merryman established the firm's commitment to women's leadership in architecture. With 28+ years of industry experience, she continues guiding complex projects while mentoring emerging professionals in sustainable design practices.
Linda Barnes
Principal Emeritus
Linda Barnes contributes strategic oversight to major projects, drawing from decades of civic architecture experience. Her expertise in public space design has shaped numerous award-winning community facilities across the Pacific Northwest region.
Doug Benson
Principal Emeritus
Doug Benson provides technical expertise on structural systems and building codes. His 28-year career includes notable contributions to seismic upgrade projects and historic preservation efforts that continue influencing the firm's engineering approach.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We focus on modern, sustainable designs while maintaining expertise in historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects.
Do you work on residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we handle both residential (single/multi-family) and commercial (civic, educational) projects across Oregon.
How do you approach sustainable design?
We integrate passive solar design, local materials, and energy-efficient systems tailored to each project's specific needs.
Can you handle complex renovation projects?
Our team specializes in challenging renovations including seismic upgrades and historic building adaptations.
What makes your firm unique?
As Portland's first female-owned architecture firm, we combine technical expertise with compassionate, community-focused design.
